Ambulance firm says Vegas Fire cherry-picks calls

LAS VEGAS — A study paid for by a private ambulance company accused the Las Vegas Fire Department of transporting more patients from wealthy neighborhoods while leaving inner-city hospital transports to American Medical Response.

The Associated Press reported that AMR general manager Scott White said he thinks the fire department cherry-picks calls from areas with higher incomes, more insurance coverage and a greater likelihood of payment. White says he wants the city council to intervene, according to the report.

The report by Applied Analysis of Las Vegas also concludes that some residents in wealthier areas wait longer for transport due to delays contacting AMR, according to the report.

A new policy implemented March 3 went from an automatic dual ambulance response to as-needed calls to AMR.

Fire Chief Willie McDonald said he hadn’t seen the Applied Analysis report, according to the report.